Court hosts ceremony for newest judge

ABERDEEN – In a courtroom full of family and colleagues, United States Bankruptcy Judge Jason Woodard of the Northern District of Mississippi was officially welcomed to his new family of judges Thursday in an investiture ceremony at the Thad Cochran United States Bankruptcy Courthouse.
“There are a number of relationships in this courtroom and now, Jason, you are part of this family,” said Chief Judge Mike Mills of the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Mississippi.
Woodard was sworn in as bankruptcy judge in January to fill the post held by former Judge David Houston III for nearly 30 years.
Woodard formerly practiced in the business sector of Burr Forman, LLP in Birmingham, Ala.
“Jason epitomizes two important virtues – integrity and stability,” Houston said. “He is bound to his word and has a deep commitment to ethics. He has high moral character and the ability to be a great judge. I’m confident you’ll be as proud of him as I am.”
A native of Jasper, Ala., Woodard was officially welcomed to Mississippi by Stephen Rosenblatt of Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens and Cannada, PLLC.
The Northern District of Mississippi is in the top 10 busiest bankruptcy districts nationally in a caseload-per-judge basis.
“By the sheer numbers alone, we touch more lives than any other court,” said Bankruptcy Judge James Robinson for the Northern District of Alabama. “Bankruptcy offers people a second chance and offers a fresh start. Bankruptcy court isn’t about winning or losing, it’s about moving cases through.”
Woodard is ready to take on his new role and help people where he can.
“When people come through here, they’re at an absolute low point in their lives. When I took my oath, I took it to heart,” Woodard said.
ray.vandusen@journalinc.com